Schwerkraftmaschine Announced: Vari-Mu Meets DSP
- 02.12.2015
- Michael Krusch
- Schwerkraftmaschine
This announcement dates from December 2015 – the first announcement of the Schwerkraftmaschine.
“Schwerkraftmaschine” is the name of the new Vari-Mu compressor from Tegeler Audio Manufaktur.This completely analogue stereo signal path is equivalent to the Vari Tube Compressor's with 4 tubes and 6 transformers.
A DSP Generates the Control Signal, the Signal Path Stays Analog
A DSP generates the control signal for the compressor, making it possible to simulate the behaviours of all existing compressors. Want to set the compressor to act like an opto compressor, even with the memory effect? It’s as easy as pie.But the idea is not to emulate analogue behaviour, but rather to create compression programmes that cannot usually be implemented using analogue equipment, or only with great effort.
There is also a side-chain filter in the lowcut mode which is infinitely adjustable from 0 - 300 Hz, and also a tilt EQ to optimally adjust the compression to the specific audio material.
A mix knob can be used to mix between compressed and uncompressed signals.
Servo Motors and Plug-in Remote Control
All controllers are fitted with servomotors and can easily be adjusted via the network using a DAW plug-in (VST, AU, AAX) or the built-in web server. This allows the user to store the Schwerkraftmachine’s settings for each song. It is even possible to automate individual parameters in the mix.Nevertheless, the Schwerkraftmachine is fully operable through the device itself. There are no functions that can only be accessed via a plug-in.
A high-resolution LCD shows the programme mode and degree of compression.
Tegeler Audio Manufaktur’s Schwerkraftmaschine combines the flexibility of a plug-in with the sound of real analogue hardware.
The Schwerkraftmaschine will be available from January 2016.
Product page
The Schwerkraftmaschine Today
What was announced here in 2015 has been shipping since the end of 2016 and is still the core of the Schwerkraftmaschine: an all-analog vari-mu signal path with three transformers and four triodes per channel, a digitally generated control signal, and servo motors on every control. The "compression programmes" have become eleven compression modes, which we explain in a series of their own: Multi-Band Complex, Diode Pressor, Breakthrough, Stereo Transformer, Vari Tube Compressor, Vocal Leveler, Optical Compressor, Drum Smasher, Classical VariMu, Chart Analysis, DeEsser. The side-chain filter works as a low-cut from 0 to 300 Hz or as a tilt filter, and the mix control blends between compressed and uncompressed signal. The unit is operated on the front panel, via the built-in web server in any browser, or through the DAW plug-in (AU, AAX, VST); the settings are saved with the song, and via the plug-in the unit can be split into two independent mono channels. What happened next: the market launch announcement of December 2016, the first hardware Editor’s Choice Award from Pro Tools Expert, and Al Schmitt at Capitol Studios.
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Learn more about the Schwerkraftmaschine
Related: Schwerkraftmaschine Is Here: Vari-Mu via Plug-in · Schwerkraftmaschine vs. VTC: VTC Mode Explained · Editor’s Choice Award for the Schwerkraftmaschine
